Must-do activities in Paris under the snow: what to do?

Warm up in the iconic museums of the capital 🖼️

When it snows in Paris, museums become perfect refuges to combine culture and comfort. Away from the cold, you can spend hours contemplating the major works at the Louvre Museum, wandering through the contemporary galleries of the Pompidou Center, or admiring the Impressionist masterpieces at the Orsay Museum.

For a more intimate experience, consider the Museum of Romantic Life in the 9th arrondissement, nestled in a charming house surrounded by snow: a pure suspended moment. And if you are with family, the National Museum of Natural History and the City of Sciences offer fun and educational paths sheltered from the elements.

For more inspiring ideas on what to do in Paris in December, take a look at this selection that combines culture, magic, and good addresses in the warmth.

Cozy cafés and tea rooms to shelter in style ☕❄️

When the snow covers the Parisian sidewalks, there's nothing like a warm refuge to savor the moment. Paris is full of cozy cafés and elegant tea rooms where you can snuggle up with a hot drink in hand.

For a subdued atmosphere, head to Angelina, near the Tuileries Garden, famous for its old-fashioned hot chocolate. Want a more bohemian vibe? Café de Flore or Les Deux Magots in Saint-Germain-des-Prés offer a poetic view of the snow-covered streets. In the Marais, coffee shops like Fringe, Ob-La-Di, or Coutume blend Scandinavian design with comforting aromas.

These places become perfect stops to warm up, read, or simply watch the snow fall outside the window.

Want to see more? Discover how to visit Paris in winter and experience the capital in all its seasonal sweetness.

Explore the covered passages, hidden treasures of Paris 🏛️🌨️

When the weather is capricious, the Parisian covered passages become dreamlike routes. These historic galleries, built in the 19th century, offer an elegant walk sheltered from the snow, between antique shops, hidden bookstores, and old-fashioned cafés.

Among the most emblematic: the Passage des Panoramas, a true institution of the 2nd arrondissement, or the Passage Jouffroy, which leads to the Grévin Museum. The Passage Verdeau completes this trio with its antique dealers and its old-fashioned charm. On the side of the Bourse, the Galerie Vivienne shines with its refinement, featuring mosaic floors and elegant shop windows.

These places, often unknown to tourists, are nonetheless the stage for a discreet and timeless Parisian life — and become even more magical under winter decorations.

To fully experience the season, discover the most beautiful festivities in Paris that illuminate the city even when the cold sets in.

Monuments under the snow: rediscover Paris postcard style 🗼❄️

When the snowflakes invite themselves into the capital, the great Parisian monuments take on a magical dimension. The Eiffel Tower, crowned with frost, seems to have come out of a winter dream. The Sacré-Cœur, perched on its white hill, becomes a movie set. Even the banks of the Seine, wrapped in silence under the snow, reveal a more poetic face than ever.

It's the perfect time to take out your camera, capture Notre-Dame under the snowflakes, or simply let yourself be amazed by the Arc de Triomphe wrapped in a light white coat. If the temperatures allow, climb to the top of the Montmartre hill: the view of the snow-covered rooftops of Paris is simply unforgettable.

Want to experience the magic of the holidays in this unique setting? Here are some ideas to celebrate Christmas in Paris and enjoy the capital in all its winter splendor.

Follow a winter guided tour to discover the city differently 🧭🧣

Far from the summer crowds, winter is an ideal season to rediscover Paris with a passionate guide. Some tours take you through iconic neighborhoods like Le Marais or Montmartre, while others immerse you in original themes: Haunted Paris, Cinema Paris, or Paris of secret passages.

In a walking version or aboard a heated panoramic bus, these explorations offer a new perspective on the capital, with the bonus of a cozy and snowy atmosphere. For the more curious, some agencies even offer gourmet tours, combining historical anecdotes with tastings of hot and local products.

It's also a great activity idea for children and families during winter!

Find the best activities during school holidays in Paris and make this period a time of playful and enriching exploration, despite the cold.

Cocooning break: escape to a Parisian spa or hammam 💆‍♀️🕯️

When the thermometer hovers around zero, nothing beats a wellness break in one of the many spas the capital has to offer. From luxury establishments to hidden gems, Paris provides a variety of atmospheres to relax away from the cold.

Treat yourself to a signature treatment in a 5-star hotel spa like that of the Ritz or the Shangri-La, or let yourself be enveloped by the warmth and scents of an oriental hammam in the Latin Quarter. Some places like Molitor or Spa Nuxe Montorgueil combine contemporary design with high-end services for a complete sensory experience.

A massage with warm oils, a steam bath, a few moments in a bubbling jacuzzi… and you are ready to face the snow with serenity.

For more winter inspirations, discover how visiting Paris in winter can become a true experience of wellness and refinement.

Cultural Evenings: Theater, Opera, and Winter Concerts 🎭🎶

When the snow falls, Paris does not sleep — it lights up on stage. The city is full of legendary performance venues that offer a rich program every winter, ranging from classic plays to contemporary creations, from grand operas to intimate concerts.

Settle into the red seats of the Théâtre Mogador, feel the excitement of a ballet at the Opéra Garnier, or let yourself be carried away by a lyrical voice at the Philharmonie de Paris. On the music side, jazz lovers will find refuge at the Duc des Lombards, while fans of contemporary music will warm up at La Cigale or Trianon.

It's the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in the Parisian cultural buzz, all while staying warm.

Winter shopping in Parisian department stores 🛍️✨

When the sidewalks become slippery, head to the heated and lavishly decorated shopping temples. The Parisian department stores are true institutions where people come as much to shop as to admire the window displays.

At Galeries Lafayette Haussmann, the Art Nouveau dome is adorned with fairy lights and the immense Christmas tree stands in the center like a work of art. At Printemps, elegance is honored, with carefully curated winter collections and a magical view from the rooftop. The BHV Marais, more artsy, offers a sharp selection between fashion, design, and the art of living.

It's also an opportunity to enjoy the winter sales while discovering ephemeral installations, gourmet corners, or creative workshops sometimes offered during the season.

Sliding on Ice: the Most Beautiful Temporary Ice Rinks in Paris ⛸️❄️

When Paris is covered in snow, temporary ice rinks bloom all over the city, transforming iconic places into true winter scenes. Whether you are an experienced skater or a casual enthusiast looking for fun, the experience is magical.

Every winter, the ice rink at the City Hall returns with its breathtaking view of the Gothic facades and its enchanting atmosphere. The Tuileries Garden also hosts a rink in its Christmas village, perfect for a family session. And for a unique experience, head to the ice rink on the roof of the Grande Arche, where you glide 110 meters high with a panoramic view of all of Paris.

Festive atmosphere, music, food trucks, and mulled wine complete the experience, making this activity a must-do on snowy days.

Hot food: comforting specialties to enjoy when it snows 🍲🔥

When the cold sets in, Parisian tables bring out their heavy artillery: stews, steaming fondues, thick soups, and seasonal sweets. Nothing beats a good hot meal to warm you up after a snowy walk.

In traditional bistros, you'll find must-haves like French onion soup, beef bourguignon, or a generous veal blanquette. For a mountain atmosphere, head to the places specializing in raclette or Savoyard fondue, such as Pain, Vin, Fromages or Les Fondus de la Raclette.

The most gourmet will opt for a starred table by the fire, while those with a sweet tooth will indulge in a chocolate fondant or vanilla rice pudding.

It's winter, anything goes: let your palate warm up too.

Temporary exhibitions: culture in motion despite the cold 🖼️🎟️

Even under the snow, Paris remains a vibrant capital of creativity. The temporary exhibitions are numerous and constantly renew the cultural offering, providing an excellent excuse to take refuge in museums, galleries, and art centers.

At the Grand Palais Immersif, dive into fascinating digital experiences, often centered around great artists or spectacular visual themes. The Musée du Luxembourg or the Musée d’Art Moderne regularly offer major retrospectives, while the Palais de Tokyo focuses on boldness and contemporary creation.

Whether it's photography, fashion, painting, or immersive installations, these exhibitions provide a renewed perspective on the world, to be enjoyed in warmth.

Don't forget to book in advance — some winter exhibitions are real successes.

Poetic strolls in the snowy parks 🌳❄️

When the snow falls on Paris, its parks and gardens transform into living pictures, silent and almost unreal. Walking on the crunching grass, observing the branches heavy with frost, hearing the muffled silence… it’s another way to love the capital.

The Luxembourg Garden, with its classical statues and symmetrical paths, becomes a fairy tale setting. The Buttes-Chaumont Park, with its reliefs, lake, and suspended bridge, offers an almost wild atmosphere under the snow. For families, the Monceau Park is a bubble of calm where children can marvel at the snow without leaving the city.

One tip: leave early in the morning or late in the afternoon to enjoy the soft lights that transform every corner into a postcard.

Don’t forget your hat, gloves… and camera.

Strolling through Christmas markets: guaranteed magic 🎄✨

When the snow falls, the Christmas markets in Paris take on an even more magical dimension. Sparkling lights, the scent of mulled wine, wooden chalets, and seasonal treats create an atmosphere worthy of a year-end movie.

The most iconic? The one at the Tuileries Garden, with its artisan stalls, Ferris wheel, and rides for children. But you will also find wonderful markets in La Défense, Saint-Germain-des-Prés, and Montmartre, each with its own ambiance and gourmet specialties: gingerbread, roasted chestnuts, melted cheeses...

As a couple, with friends, or with family, it’s the perfect place to find unique gifts, drink hot chocolate, or simply be carried away by the holiday spirit.

And in the snow, it’s even more magical.

Indoor Creative Workshops: Cultivating Inspiration in Winter 🎨🖌️

When the cold makes you want to stay indoors, why not take the opportunity to awaken your artistic side? Paris is full of cozy workshops where you can unleash your creativity, away from the slippery sidewalks.

Try your hand at ceramics in a studio in the Marais, shaping your own tea cup. Or indulge in an intuitive painting workshop in the 11th, a moment of total letting go. Some places also offer pastry classes, writing workshops, or linocut workshops for a sensory and artistic immersion.

It's also a great way to experience Paris differently, meet locals, and leave with a handmade souvenir... and a slightly warmer heart.

Indoor activities for children: fun in the warmth for the whole family 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦🎲

When it snows in Paris, parents often look for ways to keep the children occupied… without turning them into ice cubes. Fortunately, the capital is full of fun and smart indoor activities suitable for the youngest.

The Cité des Enfants in La Villette offers interactive experiences designed for ages 2-12, featuring science, water games, and hands-on activities. The Aquarium de Paris, under the Trocadéro, fascinates with its hypnotic jellyfish and shark tunnel. For adventurers, several family escape games or virtual reality parks (like Illucity) provide a good mix of thinking and action.

And why not spend an afternoon at the Musée en Herbe, which introduces the little ones to art with humor and pedagogy?
With all this, even the coldest days become unforgettable.